Sumner LawSumner Law2020-05-29T08:49:08Zhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2019/07/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=503532020-05-29T08:49:08Z2020-05-29T08:29:36ZSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Joel Johnson hadn’t owned a bicycle since he was 15, but the pandemic changed all that.

Johnson first bought a multipurpose bike to avoid the germs on crowded buses and trains but then discovered a passion for pedaling around San Francisco, where some streets are now closed to traffic. He has been taking regular morning rides to stay fit and weekend excursions in leafy Golden Gate Park or along the Pacific Ocean. He has since upgraded to a new road bike.

“It’s addictive,” he said.

Johnson, 25, is among thousands of cooped-up Americans snapping up new bicycles or dusting off decades-old bikes to stay fit, keep their sanity or have a safe alternative to public transportation. The pandemic is proving to be a boon for bike shops, which have seen a surge in demand, with people waiting in line at still-open shops and mechanics struggling to meet the demand.

All around the country and the world, bicycles are selling out and officials are trying to take advantage of the growing momentum by expanding bike lanes during the pandemic or widening existing ones to make space for commuters on two wheels.

“We have a three-day sale once a year literally called ‘the madness sale.’ This just feels like two straight months of madness sales,” said Dale Ollison, a bike mechanic at Hank and Frank Bicycles, an Oakland, California, shop that is selling online and doing curbside pick-ups.

Oakland was the first California city to launch a “slow streets” program in April and has closed 20 miles (32 kilometers) of city streets to cars to create a safer outdoor space for pedestrians and cyclists. San Francisco soon followed, closing sections of twelve streets in a city that already has a robust network of bike lanes.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, an advocacy and education group, has seen demand for its classes on city biking — now online — jump from 30 participants to more than 100, Executive Director Brian Wiedenmeier said.

“A lot of folks are dusting off their bikes to get themselves and their families a bit of fresh air during all of this,” he said. “It’s the perfect tool for this time.”

In the Southern California city of Santa Clarita, which boasts more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of trails and bike lanes and a strong cycling culture, avid riders have noticed trails they built and maintain in nearby hills busier with newcomers, including some riding the wrong direction.

Ivan Harms has been riding bikes since second grade and works at Incycle Bicycles, a high-end Santa Clarita shop. He built a mountain trail so he could ride alone, but recently he’s had plenty of company.

“I used to never see anybody, but now I see hikers and bikers and dogs. They’re everywhere. I love it!” Harms said. “Cycling was slowly becoming more niche for years. But now with people wanting to be outdoors, I think it’s going to be exploding for many years to come.”

The only drawback for him is the long, hard work days at the bike shop, which remained opened after the state listed bike shops as essential businesses. The store had at least 15 people working before the pandemic. But with employees too scared to work for fear of exposing themselves or their elderly relatives to the virus, they are down to five employees.

“It’s wild! We’re a skeleton crew with double, triple the customers,” many of them first-time riders, he said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Louie Correa of Santa Clarita recently visited Incycle Bicycles seeking an electric bike for his wife. Like many families, the Correas often ride around the quiet streets in their neighborhood with their four children, ages 3 to 14.

But Correa, an avid mountain biker who rides the trails at least three times a week, said he’d like his wife to join him. An e-bike would help her keep up.

“Biking was a big joy when we were children and kind of the first freedom we all felt,” Correa said. “This whole isolation thing is really starting to spark that back into a lot of folks.”

Whether the thousands of new riders keep up the habit will depend how safe the streets become, said Dave Snyder, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, which advocates for cycling and bike lanes throughout the state.

“Name a crisis and the bicycle is probably a good solution,” he said, listing off the problems that a bike solves: climate change, obesity, expensive gas prices and crowded germ-filled public transport.

“Maybe this crisis will finally be the one that gets our leaders to take the action needed,” he added.

]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=503472020-05-22T20:41:13Z2020-05-22T20:41:00ZThe toll of drowsy driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study the effects of drowsy driving on road safety. They say drowsy driving causes a large number of accidents and deaths. The actual death toll in some surveys may low-ball true numbers, too. Why does drowsy driving has such high potential for fatalities? Because it resembles other forms of distracted driving. Risks involved with this type of driving include:

Drivers being unable to predict dangers

Slow reaction times

Inability to focus

Drowsy drivers may also fall asleep at the wheel. This completely removes their control over the vehicle. Many fatal crashes happen when drowsy drivers fall asleep.
Why bicyclists face such risk
Bicyclists are at an elevated risk for danger due to drowsy drivers. Why? Because they are already hard for drivers to spot. Their small size and lack of bright lights often lead to crashes. Drivers claim they did not see the bicyclist. When exhausted, a driver has even worse reaction times. They may not even see other cars, let alone a bicyclist.
Of course, bicyclists lack the protection of covered vehicle drivers. This means they are at greater risk of severe injury. This is important for drivers to keep in mind before getting behind the wheel when tired.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=503422020-05-07T19:23:20Z2020-05-07T19:23:19ZYou have rights
If you look at the California legal code about bikes on the road, the first thing you should see is that bikers have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. There is a common-sense exception for non-applicable rules, but, essentially you get the same consideration under the law as would a driver of a car.
Nevertheless, collisions happen frequently, and, as a cyclist, the chances are that this type of collision would lead to serious injuries for you and relatively no losses for the driver of a motor vehicle.
You deserve fairness
Our office sees many cases in which bikers have been thoroughly demoralized and intimidated by previous interactions with other parties in the case, advice from previous representatives and even buy their own research. To get a fair trial, what you will probably need to do is put the exact details of the event of your injury in a wider context of cyclist's injury law. Even apparent deal breakers, such as cycling through a crosswalk or operating a bike under the influence, might not be as hopeless as they seem.
You could still have a chance
Catastrophic injuries could leave you or your loved ones with the impossible task of managing unmanageable medical debt. You should not give up — and you should probably not sign any settlement offers, for that matter — until you fully understand all of the possible resolutions of your case.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=502342020-04-29T19:16:13Z2020-04-29T19:16:12ZWith over 26 million licensed drivers in the state, Californians are familiar with congested traffic and hectic commutes, especially in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, more drivers on the road mean a higher chance that even a momentary lapse of judgment may have deadly results. That is especially true at intersections, where pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable.A recent study by the American Automobile Association found that, despite the obvious risk, a surprising number of Americans habitually run red lights, whether due to carelessness, impatience or distraction. The study found that, in 2017, the number of red-light running fatalities reached a 10-year high, with a 28% increase from 2012.Onboard distractionsThe AAA study found that American roadways are busier than ever, which likely contributed to the increase in deaths. However, the report also suggests a strong link between red-light fatalities and the rising popularity of smartphones and onboard infotainment systems. The study showed that red-light deaths increased by 31% between 2009 and 2017.Risky behaviorsThe AAA’s recent Traffic Safety Culture Index also highlights the troubling disconnect between American attitudes about red-light running and American behavior. Despite the fact that 85% of U.S. motorists consider it very dangerous to run a red light, one in three drivers admitted to having done so within the past 30 days—even when they could have come to a safe stop. With more than two people dying due to red-light negligence every day in the U.S., that is a sobering statistic.Tips for preventing red light crashesAAA’s report showed that 44.5% of those killed in red-light collisions were occupants of another vehicle. To avoid a potential incident with a careless motorist, it is important that drivers take a defensive approach when entering any intersection. Drivers should be sure to look both ways before proceeding, even if they have the right of way, and be ready to stop if needed by taking their foot off the accelerator and covering the brake.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=502282020-04-25T04:15:13Z2020-04-25T04:15:12ZWhiplash is a soft tissue injury
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury in the neck and upper back. It develops when the neck moves sharply under a great deal of force. In a crash, the neck snaps one way and then the other, resulting in micro-tears in the muscles and ligaments of the neck and shoulders. Some people feel the pain immediately, while others may not feel it for days. However, when they do, it is usually sharp and immobilizing.
A concussion is a brain injury
When the neck moves violently, the head goes along with it. When the force is strong enough, the brain may slide and strike the skull. A concussion may develop as the result of this movement or from a direct impact to the head. In either case, a proper diagnosis ensures that treatment commences immediately. A person with a concussion may not know it, especially if there was not a blow to the head. However, symptoms that manifest over the hours and days following a crash may point to the injury. Things like nausea, vomiting, extreme exhaustion or slurred speech should prompt a visit to the hospital.
Whiplash and a concussion may go hand in hand. Getting a medical checkup after a crash, whether there are immediate symptoms or not, may result in more effective treatment and less pain.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=502212020-04-16T17:58:48Z2020-04-16T17:58:46ZAlmost everyone agrees that distracted driving is a problem, but not everyone agrees on how big a problem it is. In 2018, the federal government estimated that 14% of all motor vehicle accidents involved distracted driving. However, the Washington Post reports on contemporaneous research by the American Automobile Association suggesting that the real figure is closer to 58%. The conjecture is that underreporting of distracted driving may account for the discrepancy.A survey of American drivers by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that most perceive distracted driving as a threat. However, the same survey demonstrated that many drivers admit to engaging in the distracted driving behaviors that they perceive as threatening in others.Threats to personal safetyThe survey asked respondents about certain traffic behaviors and asked them to rank how much of a threat each posed to their personal safety. The potential threats included distracting behaviors such as texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone while driving. Over 77% of respondents viewed sending or reading text messages or emails while driving as a very serious threat to their personal safety, while 57.5% perceived talking on a cell phone as a very serious threat. To put those numbers into perspective, 73.5% of respondents considered driving after drinking alcohol as a very serious threat, while 54.9% felt very seriously threatened by sleepy drivers.Traffic-related behaviorsThe survey then asked respondents to report on their own driving behaviors in the preceding 30 days, asking them how often they had engaged in activities such as sending or reading texts or emails while driving or talking on a handheld cell phone. Nearly 20% of respondents admitted to sending or typing a text or email while driving more than once within a month prior to the survey, while 23.5% admitted to reading a text or email and 26.9% said that they had talked on a handheld cell phone more than once within that time frame.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=501802020-04-03T20:52:02Z2020-04-03T20:52:01ZFor people who receive injuries in car accidents, the damages can be severe. This is especially true for people who are in accidents with big trucks like semis. The sheer weight of the truck alone makes accidents with large trucks more fatal than most other car accidents.Such is the case for one person who sustained injuries from a head-on collision with a semi on Thursday morning.Car accident with semi-truck leaves man in need of helpAccording to Victor Valley News, one person required an airlift early Thursday morning as the result of a head-on collision with a semi-truck. When firefighters arrived on the scene in Lucerne Valley, they found a small sedan with significant body damage as well as a tractor-trailer laying on its side.Firefighters requested an airship to free a passenger trapped in the vehicle. After a successful extrication, the passenger flew to Desert Regional Hospital. Authorities are still investigating the cause for the accident and no further information is available.Accidents leave victims with long-lasting consequencesFor people who have sustained injuries during a motor vehicle accident it can take months, or even years, to completely heal. Not only does the physical trauma take time to recuperate from, but lasting emotional trauma may be an issue as well. For people who have received injuries because of an accident caused by someone else's negligence, it may be a good idea to find out what options are available for compensation. There may be additional resources available to help with things like medical bills, lost wages and emotional distress.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=501772020-03-20T17:57:03Z2020-03-20T17:57:02ZIf you drive a large truck that hauls hazardous materials, there are additional rules that you must follow when transporting your cargo. This is for the safety of yourself and everyone around you. If you should get into an accident, your cargo could pose a severe safety risk. That is why you must have your truck labeled as carrying hazardous materials.According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, you also need a HazMat endorsement on your CDL to be able to transport these materials within the state. As with any type of licensing, you will have to take a test to get the endorsement. The test will cover state and federal laws pertaining to the transportation of hazardous materials.Training and testingYou must undergo special training, as well, every three years. This will help you to understand the risks of transporting such materials along with ensuring that you know and understand all applicable laws. Your employer should provide this training. Your employer must also keep records of the training.What you will learnYou will learn not only about the potential dangers of the materials but also what to do in the event of a spill. You will learn about necessary permits you may need to travel in certain areas. Training will cover how to safely load your truck and transport the materials. You will learn about warning labels and signs that you must have on your truck. Training will also cover how to transfer your load once at your destination. You will learn everything you need to know to be safe when loading and hauling hazardous materials.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=501682020-03-09T19:07:56Z2020-03-09T19:07:55ZNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in 2018. Data from 2017 shows that nearly 30 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes that year did not have valid motorcycle licenses. Other statistics from the NHTSA indicate that you are about 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash if you are riding a motorcycle rather than riding in a car.
The NHTSA indicates that all states require you to have a motorcycle license endorsement on your driver's license in order to ride legally. Most states require you to take a licensed course and/or pass an exam proving you are able to ride safely. While operating a motorcycle, you must obey all traffic laws and remain attentive at all times. Laws that prohibit driving under the influence of intoxicating substances also apply to operating a motorcycle.
Another essential part of safe motorcycling is wearing a proper helmet. According to the NHTSA, you should ensure your helmet meets U.S. Department of Transportation specifications. All approved helmets have a DOT sticker on the outside of the helmet toward the back. Other vital safety gear includes pants, jackets, gloves and shoes that completely cover the skin. Heavy-duty materials, such as denim or leather, may help protect you during a crash and reduce dehydration while riding.]]>On behalf of Sumner Lawhttps://www.sumnerlawyers.com/?p=500672020-02-27T01:15:48Z2020-02-27T01:15:47Z

Neck or shoulder pain

One of the most common results of a rear-end collision is whiplash and the common symptoms are neck stiffness and shoulder pain. Conservative treatment is often prescribed, but your doctor may request X-rays to rule out a more serious condition.

Headaches

Headaches are common after a vehicle crash and may not begin for days. Pay attention and seek a medical evaluation because a headache could signal a concussion, a blood clot on the brain or some other kind of head injury.

Numbness

Another sign of whiplash is a numbness that develops in your hands or arms. Damage to your neck or spinal column can result in a loss of feeling.

Back pain

A rear-end collision is a major cause of back injury. You may experience pain that relates to your muscles, nerves or ligaments or damage to your vertebrae. In the chaos that follows a car crash, you may not be aware of the symptoms of a back injury until hours later.

Abdominal pain

If you begin feeling abdominal pain at any time after a vehicle crash, see a doctor right away because this kind of pain could indicate internal bleeding. Other indicators of possible internal bleeding are dizziness, fainting or areas of dark purple bruising on the skin.

PTSD

You may not associate post-traumatic stress disorder with a vehicle crash, but this condition is quite common. You may have upsetting memories or flashbacks of the accident. Keep an eye on any children who may have experienced the crash, as they are very susceptible to PTSD.
A word about records
As the victim of a car crash, you may have some significant medical bills to deal with. Keep records of your doctor’s appointments and copies of all medical expenses and reports. These will help you obtain maximum compensation to cover your medical costs, lost wages and more.]]>